Betts: Widnes Vikings lacked composure

Widnes Vikings boss Denis Betts admitted his side “lacked composure” for spells of their 28-14 defeat to Huddersfield Giants – but did say his side showed plenty of purpose following their Challenge Cup semi-final defeat to Castleford last weekend.

The Vikings led 8-6 seconds until seconds before the half-time hooter, before a try from Huddersfield’s Joe Wardle put the home side in front. And Betts said after the game that his side must improve their focus, admitting the game was far from an exciting spectacle.

“I thought after the highs of the semi-final and the disappointments of the things on the back of it, we came here today and showed lots of purpose,” said Betts. “It wasn’t a great game, it wasn’t exciting – it was a bit stop start. We haven’t had a penalty all year and suddenly we get about 20 in one game.

“The disappointing thing for me is not the scoreline at the end of the game, it’s the lack of composure and the transition when they scored just before half time. It’s the second time that’s happened to us this year – the other time was at London.

“Those are the things that we need to get better at, that lack of focus and transition, coming out in certain areas of the field.”